Vishnupurana 5.24

5.24.1

parāśara uvāca:
itthaṃ stutas tadā tena mucukundena dhīmatā
prāheśaḥ sarvabhūtānām anādir bhagavān hariḥ //

Thus praised by the wise Muchukunda, the sovereign of all things, the eternal lord, Hari, said to him, "Go to whatever celestial regions you wish, lord of men, possessed of might irresistible, honoured by my favour. When you have fully enjoyed all heavenly pleasures, you shall be born in a distinguished family, retaining the recollection of your former births; and you shall finally obtain emancipation". Having heard this promise, and prostrated himself before Achyuta, the lord of the world, Muchukunda, went forth from the cave and beholding men of diminutive stature, now first knew that the Kali age had arrived. The king therefore departed to Gandhamāddana, the shrine of Naranārāyana, to perform penance.

5.24.2

yathābhivāñchitān divyān lokān gaccha nareśvara
avyāhataparaiśvaryo matprasādopabṛṃhitaḥ //

Thus praised by the wise Muchukunda, the sovereign of all things, the eternal lord, Hari, said to him, "Go to whatever celestial regions you wish, lord of men, possessed of might irresistible, honoured by my favour. When you have fully enjoyed all heavenly pleasures, you shall be born in a distinguished family, retaining the recollection of your former births; and you shall finally obtain emancipation". Having heard this promise, and prostrated himself before Achyuta, the lord of the world, Muchukunda, went forth from the cave and beholding men of diminutive stature, now first knew that the Kali age had arrived. The king therefore departed to Gandhamāddana, the shrine of Naranārāyana, to perform penance.

5.24.3

bhuktvā divyān mahābhogān bhaviṣyasi mahākule
jātismaro matprasādāt tato mokṣam avāpsyasi //

Thus praised by the wise Muchukunda, the sovereign of all things, the eternal lord, Hari, said to him, "Go to whatever celestial regions you wish, lord of men, possessed of might irresistible, honoured by my favour. When you have fully enjoyed all heavenly pleasures, you shall be born in a distinguished family, retaining the recollection of your former births; and you shall finally obtain emancipation". Having heard this promise, and prostrated himself before Achyuta, the lord of the world, Muchukunda, went forth from the cave and beholding men of diminutive stature, now first knew that the Kali age had arrived. The king therefore departed to Gandhamāddana, the shrine of Naranārāyana, to perform penance.

5.24.4

parāśara uvāca:
ity uktaḥ praṇipatyeśaṃ jagatām acyutaṃ nṛpaḥ
guhāmukhād viniṣkrāntaḥ dadṛśe so 'lpakān narān //

Thus praised by the wise Muchukunda, the sovereign of all things, the eternal lord, Hari, said to him, "Go to whatever celestial regions you wish, lord of men, possessed of might irresistible, honoured by my favour. When you have fully enjoyed all heavenly pleasures, you shall be born in a distinguished family, retaining the recollection of your former births; and you shall finally obtain emancipation". Having heard this promise, and prostrated himself before Achyuta, the lord of the world, Muchukunda, went forth from the cave and beholding men of diminutive stature, now first knew that the Kali age had arrived. The king therefore departed to Gandhamāddana, the shrine of Naranārāyana, to perform penance.

5.24.5

tataḥ kaliyugaṃ jñātvā prāptaṃ taptuṃ nṛpas tapaḥ
naranārāyaṇasthānaṃ prayayau gandhamādanam //

Thus praised by the wise Muchukunda, the sovereign of all things, the eternal lord, Hari, said to him, "Go to whatever celestial regions you wish, lord of men, possessed of might irresistible, honoured by my favour. When you have fully enjoyed all heavenly pleasures, you shall be born in a distinguished family, retaining the recollection of your former births; and you shall finally obtain emancipation". Having heard this promise, and prostrated himself before Achyuta, the lord of the world, Muchukunda, went forth from the cave and beholding men of diminutive stature, now first knew that the Kali age had arrived. The king therefore departed to Gandhamāddana, the shrine of Naranārāyana, to perform penance.

5.24.6

kṛṣṇo 'pi ghātayitvārim upāyena hi tadbalam
jagrāha mathurām etya hastyaśvasyandanojjvalam //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.7

ānīya cograsenāya dvāravatyāṃ nyavedayat
parābhibhavaniḥśaṅkaṃ babhūva ca yadoḥ kulam //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.8

baladevo 'pi maitreya praśāntākhilavigrahaḥ
jñātidarśanasotkaṇṭhaḥ prayayau nandagokulam //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.9

tato gopāṃś ca gopīś ca yathāpūrvam amitrajit
tathaivābhyavadat premṇā bahumānapuraḥsaram //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.10

kaiś cāpi saṃpariṣvaktaḥ kāṃścic ca pariṣasvaje
hāsyaṃ cakre samaṃ kaiścid gopair gopījanais tathā //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.11

priyāṇy anekāny avadan gopās tatra halāyudham
gopyaś ca premakupitāḥ procuḥ serṣyam athāparāḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.12

gopyaḥ papracchur aparā nāgarījanavallabhaḥ
kaccid āste sukhaṃ kṛṣṇaś calatpremalavātmakaḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.13

asmacceṣṭām apahasan na kaccit purayoṣitām
saubhāgyamānam adhikaṃ karoti kṣaṇasauhṛdaḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.14

kaccit smarati naḥ kṛṣṇo gītānugamanaṃ kalam
apy asau mātaraṃ draṣṭuṃ sakṛd apy āgamiṣyati //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.15

atha vā kiṃ tadālāpair aparā kriyatāṃ kathā
yasyāsmābhir vinā tena vināsmākaṃ bhaviṣyati //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.16

pitā mātā tathā bhrātā bhartā bandhujanaś ca kim
na tyaktas tatkṛte 'smābhir akṛtajñadhvajo hi saḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.16x45

saṃdeśaiḥ sāmamadhurair nāsmān smarati kutracit //

5.24.17

tathāpi kaccid ālāpam ihāgamanasaṃśrayam
karoti kṛṣṇo vaktavyaṃ bhavatā rāma nānṛtam //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.18

dāmodaraḥ sa govindaḥ purastrīsaktamānasaḥ
apetaprītir asmāsu durdarśaḥ pratibhāti naḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.19

parāśara uvāca:
āmantritaḥ sa kṛṣṇeti punar dāmodareti ca
ruruduḥ sasvaraṃ gopyo hariṇā hṛtacetasaḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.20

saṃdeśaiḥ sāmamadhuraiḥ premagarbhair agarvitaiḥ
rāmeṇāśvāsitā gopyaḥ kṛṣṇasyātimanoharaiḥ //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.21

gopaiś ca pūrvavad rāmaḥ parihāsamanoramāḥ
kathāś cakāra reme ca saha tair vrajabhūmiṣu //

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.

5.24.21.p1

iti śrīviṣṇupurāṇe pañcame 'ṃśe caturviṃśo 'dhyāyaḥ

Krishna having by this stratagem destroyed his enemy returned to Mathura and took captive his army, rich in horses, elephants and cars, which he conducted to Dwārakā, and delivered to Ugrasena, and the Yadu race was relieved from all fear of invasion. Baladeva, when hostilities had entirely ceased, being desirous of seeing his kinsmen, went to Nanda's cow-pens, and there again conversed with the herdsmen and their females, with affection and respect. By some, the elders, he was embraced; others, the juniors, he embraced; and with those of his own age, male or female, he talked and laughed. The cowherds made many kind speeches to Halayudha; but some of the Gopis spoke to him with the affectation of anger, or with feelings of jealousy, as they inquired after the loves of Krishna with the women of Mathura. "Is all well with the fickle and inconstant Krishna?" said they; "Does the volatile swain, the friend of an instant amuse the women of the city by laughing at our rustic efforts (to please him)? Does he ever think of us, singing in chorus to his sons? Will come here once again to see his mother? But But why talk of these things? It is a different tale to tell for him without us, and for us without him. Father, mother, brother, husband, kin, what have we not abandoned for him; but he is a monument of ingratitude. Yet tell us, does not Krishna talk of coming here? Falsehood is never, O Krishna, to be uttered by thee. Verily this is Dāmodara, this is Govinda, who has given up his heart to the damsels of the city, who has no longer any regard for us, but looks upon us with disdain". So saying, the Gopis, whose minds were fixed on Krishna, addressed Rāma in his place, calling him Dāmodara and Govinda, and laughed and were merry; and Rāma consoled them by communicating to them agreeable, modest, affectionate, and gentle messages from Krishna. With the cow-herds he talked mirthfully, as he had been wont to do, and rambled along with them over the lands of Vraja.